HELP AT HOME ▶
Although no one yet has an
android servant doing all the
domestic chores, some robots are
at work in homes, performing
repetitive jobs such as vacuuming
floors and mowing lawns. These
robots are programmed to
avoid hazards in their paths.▼ HELPING AT WORK
Robots are increasingly equipped to
help humans carry out tasks that may
be boring, repetitive, or dangerous.
They work independently, guided by
sensors and cameras, and can sustain
themselves in bad weather, tight
spaces, and rugged terrain.MILITARY ROBOTS ▶
Robot vehicles are useful in warfare
because they can enter dangerous
situations without risking lives. Robot
devices conduct surveillance over
enemy land and can find and dispose
of bombs and landmines while the
operator remains at a safe distance.▲ SPACE TRAVELLERS
In space, robot spacecraft and
surface vehicles called rovers, such
as Mars 2020, are sent to explore
places that are too dangerous
to send human astronauts.
The movements of these
robots are pre-programmed
or directed from Earth, though
the rovers also use camera data
to avoid obstacles.INDUSTRIAL ARMS ▶
Most industrial robots are computer-
controlled mechanical arms. They do jobs
that would be difficult or dangerous for
humans, or jobs that require constant
repeated actions. A robot can do all these
jobs more quickly or accurately than a
human – and without needing to rest.HOBO (Hazardous Ordnance Bomb
Operator) carries
equipment to defuse an explosive device
or explode it safelyRobug III’s legs allow
it to cross uneven
surfaces to investigate
hazardous situations
with an onboard cameraiRobot’s CoWorker
Office robot takes
pictures with a camera
on its rotating neckThe task of welding
in a car factory is
carried out by robots121
The Roomba Intelligent
FloorVac has sensors to
plot its vacuuming route120-121_Robots.indd 121 03/01/19 12:10 PM